ATAMI, Shizuoka Prefecture–A teahouse on this coastal scorching spring resort near Tokyo is providing geisha exhibits as a part of efforts to maintain the dwindling cultural custom alive.

The concept is to permit guests to understand geisha tradition in a relaxed setting at inexpensive costs.

Geigi, as geisha are known as right here, are often known as upon to entertain visitors at fancy ryokan inns and unique “ryotei” eating places.

But the Atami Geigi Chaya teahouse, operated by the Atami Geigi House Union, accepts reservations from teams of at the least 4 visitors to entertain them with meals, drinks, dances and video games.

The teahouse has tables for as much as 20 visitors.

It presently affords a “bento” lunch field program from midday for five,500 yen ($37), together with tax, and a “matcha” powdered inexperienced tea one from round 2 p.m. for 3,850 yen.

Plans are within the works to supply a dinner set full with alcoholic drinks from late February.

During every session, geisha take to the stage to carry out dances to the accompaniment of samisen.

“Zabuton” cushions are laid out for the visitors to play video games below the steerage of the geisha.

The variety of geisha in Atami, blocated about 100 kilometers from Tokyo, reached greater than 1,000 within the late Showa Era (1926-1989) when group excursions had been fashionable, however as of early 2020 there have been solely 100 or so on account of more and more numerous types of tourism and different components.

Since then, the determine has dropped to round 70. The decline coincided with the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“We opened the teahouse to create work opportunities instead of waiting for calls to come in,” stated Akiko Ogasawara, who heads the union. “We want to see the traditional culture continue.”

The teahouse is just not alone in attempting to protect the geisha custom right here.

The Atami Geigi Kenban Kaburenjo theater close to the teahouse now affords a “Hana no Mai” dance present from 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

A ticket for the teahouse that features admission to the present prices 8,250 yen.

For reservations and inquiries, go to the union’s official web site at (https://atami-geigi.jp/index.html).